We’d be better off with civil elections
Suffering from election burnout? Do you cringe each time you see a political advertisement on TV? Does talk of primaries, redistricting, midterms and the 2024 presidential election have you feeling blue?
If so, you’re not alone.
It doesn’t have to be this way. What would a perfect election season look like?
Most importantly, the candidates would have a mutual respect for one another. They would treat one another in a civil manner at all times prior to the vote.
Second, they would agree to focus on the positive. There would be no negative advertising allowed.
Third, they would agree that the money spent on their campaigns would be equal. This would mean that advertising dollars would be fairly distributed.
Next, the candidates would place the voters above themselves. They’d use the time prior to the election to clarify their ideas so voters could make an informed choice.
Lastly, win or lose, they’d accept the result on Election Day.
In a perfect world, the winner of the vote would welcome the other person as an adviser to share input prior to decision making. Is this really possible? I believe it is.
Matt Castelli and Matt Putorti recently engaged in a cordial primary election to represent the Democrats in the 21st Congressional district. Obviously, it would be more impressive to see a Democrat and Republican agree to a polite, respectful election. That won’t be easy, but I’m convinced our towns, state and country would be better off if elections were more civil.
Raymond LeBel
Charlton
Ostrelich dedicated to protecting health
Michelle Ostrelich is an experienced Schenectady County legislator.
She is running against Jim Tedisco to represent the 44th District in New York’s State Senate, and she will bring her experience and commitment to several critical issues facing New Yorkers.
She will stand for reproductive rights and equitable health care for all.
Michelle co-founded the Schenectady Coalition for Healthcare Access to advocate for all people as the Ellis Hospital/Trinity Health merger moves forward. Michelle, as a champion of health care equity, has made informing the community a top priority.
Now that the Supreme Court has finalized its decision overturning Roe v. Wade, it is more important than ever for our state legislatures to have pro-choice leaders.
State legislatures are the last line of defense to protect reproductive rights. Michelle Ostrelich has demonstrated her commitment to equitable health services for the people of New York. She deserves your vote.
Eleanor Aronstein
Schenectady
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Categories: Letters to the Editor, Opinion
